NEW laws to curb rogue traders have been welcomed by Oxfordshire County Council's trading standards team.
The Consumer Protection Regulations, which could come into force on May 26, would represent the biggest shake-up in consumer legislation for decades.
They would apply to all businesses that trade directly with consumers - including hoteliers, builders, retailers and second-hand motor traders.
If they become law, the CPRs will:
- Ban 31 types of unfair sales practices including bogus "closing down" sales, prize draw scams and aggressive doorstep selling
- Reform 23 pieces of existing legislation
- Cut red tape
- Close loopholes.
Nigel Strick, head of Oxfordshire County Council's trading standards, said: "We welcome the proposals whole-heartedly and hope Parliament gives them the go-ahead. Local businesses are fed up with losing out to the sharp practices of crooks."
Trading standards and the Office of Fair Trading will have a wide range of enforcement options.
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